People Who Inspire – An Interview with Salvador Almeida

Throughout my running career, I have been incredibly lucky to have run with many amazing runners – record holders, in both distance and speed, journey runners, and all-around tough guys/gals.  Salvador Almeida is one such athlete, having  just completed his 94th – yes, 94th (and 4 ultras) – marathon in Alaska last weekend on his way to completing his goal of running 100 marathons.  He is an absolutely committed athlete, husband, father, and mentor.  When I first started to consider doing ultras, Salvador would accompany me on every long run I needed, no questions asked. He has never been afraid of the distance – ever.  Over the years, I have learned so much from Salvador, including consistency, toughness, and a “never complain” attitude that has served me well at all levels of competition.

Salvador was kind enough to answer my questions on what it takes to commit to, and run, 100 marathons.

Interview with Salvador Almeida

Carilyn Johnson:  Wow!  You are about to reach 100 marathons!  Simply amazing!  When did you start running, and when did you complete your first marathon?

Salvador Almeida:  I started running in 1989, completed my first half-marathon in 1990 and my first marathon was NEW YORK CITY MARATHON in 1991.

CJ:  When will you run your 100^th marathon?

SA:  At  EL PASO MARATHON on February 5, 2012.

CJ:  How did you decide to make this a goal?

SA:  After I ran my 50^th marathon in Phoenix, Arizona on January 2008

CJ:  Tell us something about your favorite marathons so far?  Where all have you run?

SA:  My favorites are Bataan Death March Marathon, Paris, Lake Tahoe,  Big Sur and Alaska. I have run Athens, London, Rio de Janeiro, Havana, Vancouver, New York City, Chicago, Boston, Berlin, Twin Cities, Miami, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Phoenix, El Paso, Tucson, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Nashville, Houston, Pikes Peak, Denver, Marine Corps, St. George, Las Vegas, Monterrey in Mexico, LALA in Mexico, Portland, Seattle, etc.

CJ:  Can you describe your training?

SA:  50 to 60 miles a week, every day except Monday.  Every other week I do hills and one day a week tempo run.

CJ:  How about your pre-race routine – what do you do the night before and the morning of the race?

SA:  The night before I usually go to dinner with my friends have pasta and a glass of red wine.  In the morning I prepare as if I am training for a long run.

CJ:  Any injuries over the years?  How did you cope with them?

SA:  I probably have had them all, the best thing to do is to rest for a week or two and have lots of patience.  Use lots of ice and bengay or Absorbine (for horses).

CJ:  How do you stay motivated to train and race so much?

SA:  I always have a goal, that is why I run a marathon every month.  Also I like to run marathons that are difficult and are in places that I have never been.

CJ:  How do you balance your running with work and family?

SA:  I train early in the morning (5:30AM) every day except Sundays at 7:00AM when my family is sleeping and go to work every day at 9:00AM.  Marathons are on weekends so they do not interfere with work.  I do not take vacations, my vacations are  Fridays or Mondays that I need to travel to marathons.

CJ:  Any advice for newbie runners?

SA:  You have to have a goal and focus very hard in achieving that goal.  Always be very passionate in everything you do, in your personal life, family, work, religion and specially running.

CJ:  What will you do after you reach your goal?

SA:  I have already a new goal after my 100^th marathon, I have registered for my first Ironman in New York City in August of 2012.

CJ:  Thanks so much for your time!  I know so many people can benefit from reading what very experienced marathoners do.  See you on your 100^th!

 

Happy Running!

 

Tagged as: 100 marathons, Coaching, Inspiration, Lessons, Life, marathon, Salvador Almeida, Texas, Trail Running, Training, ultra running